Wicked: Defying Gravity on the Big Screen
By Amber McCain
We all know the classic tale of Oz - Dorothy, the Wizard, and the Wicked Witch. But in Wicked, the familiar story is seen through a different lens, delving deeper into the characters' lives we thought we knew. It all started with Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, adapted into a Broadway hit in 2003. Now, in 2024, the movie brings the stage production to life. The story's heart lies in the evolving friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. Their contrasting personalities - Elphaba’s fierce independence versus Glinda’s bubbly optimism - create a dynamic reflecting how women navigate societal pressures, expectations, and influence.
The film stays pretty accurate to the original Broadway songs, including favorites like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” while bringing these moments to life with magic only movies can deliver. With the film released digitally on December 31, 2024, we’ll see deleted scenes that dive deeper into the world of Oz. The film’s marketing was inescapable for months, from billboards to social media. The promotional campaign helped turn this adaptation into a cultural event.
One notable difference in this adaptation is the introduction of Dulcibear, a talking bear who serves as Elphaba’s nanny. While this character wasn’t in the Broadway version, her presence adds emotional depth to Elphaba’s backstory. After losing her biological mother and being rejected by her father, Elphaba found the love and support she desperately needed from Dulcibear, who acted as a maternal figure. This relationship helps us understand Elphaba’s protective instincts, especially toward the oppressed animals of Oz. Hopefully, we see more of Dulcibear’s story in Part 2.
Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo both deliver phenomenal performances. Grande-Butera brings Glinda’s charm, humor, and vocal power, embodying the character’s depth while staying true to her iconic traits. Erivo, on the other hand, delivers a powerhouse performance as Elphaba, balancing emotional vulnerability with fierce strength. Their relationship, significantly as it shifts from rivalry to genuine respect and friendship, is beautifully captured throughout the film. Supporting them is a talented cast, including Peter Dinklage as the tragic Dr. Dillamond, Michelle Yeoh as the mysterious Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as the charming Fiyero. Jeff Goldblum brings his quirky charm to the Wizard, giving us a fun, fresh take on the character. He’s manipulative and oddly charming, creating a fascinating tension with Elphaba.
Although there were talks about adapting Wicked into a movie in the late ‘90s, it’s best that they waited until now to go through with it. With today’s advanced technology and special effects, the film truly brings the magic of Oz to life in a way the stage version just couldn’t. The movie’s visuals amplify the emotional connection to songs like “Defying Gravity,” making the magic of Oz feel more real than ever. The combination of stunning effects and intricate character moments elevates the emotional depth, making it impossible not to get swept up in the experience. By the end of Part 1, the audience is left wanting more - not because they don’t know the story, but because the movie did such a fantastic job of drawing them in.
As of December 2024, Wicked has grossed $634.4 million worldwide, with $424.3 million in the United States. Audiences are as excited as ever to see how the story will continue in Part 2, Wicked: For Good, which is set to release in 2025.
No review of Wicked would be complete without acknowledging the legacy of its original stars, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who originated Glinda and Elphaba on Broadway in 2003. The film adaptation honors them with a playful moment in “One Short Day,” where the two spar for center stage, with Menzel winning by belting out her iconic ‘ah-ahh-ah’ riff from “Defying Gravity.” Chenoweth cheekily nods to her Glinda role by placing her hand on Grande-Butera’s mouth, silencing the new Glinda capturing Glinda’s signature love of attention. It’s a fun homage to the original stars, with their playful performances in the film celebrating the legacy of Wicked and passing the torch to the next generation. Another fun detail: Glinda’s mother in the movie, Momsie, is played by Alice Fearn - the original Elphaba in London’s West End.
Everyone deserves a chance to fly. Watching Wicked today feels so timely. Its themes of standing up for what’s right, embracing who you are, and questioning the status quo hit home. In a world where voices for change are louder than ever, the musical’s message of defiance and empowerment feels more relevant than ever, making it not just a story for our time but a reflection of it.
As for me? I’ve already marked my calendar for Wicked: For Good and found the perfect frilly pink robe to wear while singing “Popular” around my home. Because, let’s be honest, it’s way more fun with tulle.
Wicked will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD formats on February 4, 2025, and it is now available to rent or own on most digital streaming services.